A Conversation with Brad Burns, VP of YouPorn

March 27, 2017

There is little doubt that the adult entertainment industry has historically been on the forefront of technology. From revolutionizing online payments to streaming content. Adult entertainment has impacted our daily online lives, probably without many of us even realizing it.

Virtual Reality (VR) will be no exception. The adult entertainment industry has embraced VR. We are looking forward to their contribution to this continually evolving technology.

YouPorn ranks as one of the most accessed websites in the world, and one of the most popular porn sites in the world.

VR Observer was fortunate enough to sit down with Brad Burns, VP of YouPorn to get his take on the state of VR and what the future holds.

BB: The adult industry has always been an early adopter of innovative technologies, and VR is no different. Once we saw what was possible when combining virtual reality technology with top of the line adult entertainment, we made it a priority to make it available to our users.

VRO: In regards to how the adult entertainment industry has impacted technology, what do you see as the biggest impact it has had? Maybe something people don’t realize they use everyday, but do not know it was initially driven by porn?

BB: The adult industry has long strived to be at the forefront of digital innovation. Porn sites have pushed the evolution of many things from video streaming to online payment processing. Thanks to the continuing improvements in technology, we are able to bring our content to more people than ever before, and we consistently work to offer our users the best experience possible.

VRO: Where do you see the future of adult entertainment and VR heading?

BB: We think VR will soon be the fastest growing segment in adult entertainment. It will substantially improve the way users consume and interact with our content.

VRO: What excites you most about VR?

BB: It feels like we are just scratching the surface of what is possible with this new technology. It’s definitely a more immersive experience. The possibilities are truly endless, and we are very excited to see how this market will evolve in the future.

VRO: What insights do you have around the confluence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), VR and haptic devices (sex toys) and the potential there?

BB: The internet certainly holds interesting possibilities for the adult industry. As with other areas of technology the symbiosis between the virtual and real world cannot be ignored. The jury is still out on how much or how little impact it will have but we will certainly be on the lookout for any new trends.

VRO: Do you have any plans to partner with a sex toy company, or even developing something in-house to work in conjunction with your VR videos?

BB: We are exploring all opportunities but cannot get into specifics at this point.

VRO: What do the actors think about VR?

BB: YouPorn is a platform where studios and individuals can host and display their content. As such, we’re not really involved in production. We have heard from some our content partners that the current 360 filming rigs, which often have to be worn by one of the performers, can make some shots challenging.

VRO: How have VR videos performed so far?

BB: VR videos have performed very well. We see a real interest from our users as well as our content partners moving in that direction.

VRO: What impact will VR have on porn?

VR allows users to indulge in their fantasies in a whole new way. With VR users are not only viewing content but can now interact and enjoy porn from a unique point of view. This creates a whole world of opportunities for our content partners. We will continue to strive to be at the forefront of new technologies and advances in this field.

VRO: As the technology improves and VR becomes even more immersive and interactive, do you think it will affect real life social interactions? For example, relationships and dating.

BB: VR certainly enhances the porn viewing experience, but there will never be a substitute for the real thing.

VRO: What is your favorite VR video right now?

BB: We have so many great videos up on our site from our content partners; I wouldn’t know which one to choose!